FIGURE 11: A completed and well-commissioned data center leads to both a happy
data center and a happy client.
May/June 2019 I 21
KEY TAKEAWAYS
A commissioning plan is an intricate
process critical to improving system
performance and to ensuring
a well-tuned, high-quality, and
reliable data center operation.
Questions to ask include:
• Did the program/pre-design
logical architecture transform
into a properly designed
physical ICT cabling
infrastructure in the design/
planning phase?
• Did the installation adhere
to the QA guidelines and test
procedures of the construction/
build phase?
• Did the project pass both
the visual inspection criteria
and performance testing
as required in the
acceptance phase?
• Finally, were all the
expectations and objectives
of the commissioning team
met and all documentation
submitted in the final
commissioning report
to the client?
The best solution to protect
the data center’s ICT cabling
infrastructure against mayhem,
such as downtime, is to do it right
the first time. Tailor a cabling
QA and testing plan into
a comprehensive commissioning
plan. The result will be a happy
client with a positive ROI and the
continued “building” of the ICT
company’s excellence and trusted
reputation in the industry!
BIOGRAPHY:
David “Bo” Conrad recently celebrated
his 35 years as a BICSI member and
an RCDD. He also holds Tech III and
former BICSI ATF (Master) Instructor
certifications. His current role is with
Align as regional business development
manager and also as a senior project
manager co-managing operations. Bo’s
specialty is in design/build of Class/Tier
3-4 ICT data center white spaces, ISP
Co-Los, and large commercial building
installations. Bo has authored, produced,
and instructed six industry-recognized
manufacturer cable/connectivity and
industry trade organization contractor
warranty training programs. He is also
a former instructor for Berkley and the
University of California, Santa Cruz
and an owner/operator for 17 years
of two BICSI ATF schools in California
and the ATF curriculum in Hawaii. Bo
is one of the founders and a long-time
member of the ANSI TIA 568
committee. He has served on numerous
BICSI committees, including ATF/ITSIM
and exam writing committees, and he
is a contributing author to the TDMM
and former Wi-Fi and residential
standards. He is also a frequent speaker
at regional BICSI events. Bo holds
an MBA and a BS in engineering. Bo
can be reached at bconrad@align.com.
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